Whenever we talk about what makes Birch Tree Care better than the competition, we refer to our ISA-certified arborists, but due to it being an industry term, people outside the tree care industry rarely know what we are talking about. So, in an effort to stick to our mission of open and honest communication, we want to explain ISA-certification.
ARBORIST VERSUS LANDSCAPER
Often used synonymously, arborist and landscaper are actually two very different job titles.
Landscaping includes landscape and hardscape installation, lawn care, lawn irrigation installation and maintenance, mulching, garden bed preparation and maintenance and sometimes shrub pruning. Landscapers focus mainly on aesthetics.
Arboriculture includes caring for mature trees, tree removal, pruning, cabling, stump grinding and more. Our arborists don’t just bid a job, they look into all aspects of the tree environment, providing recommendations based on your needs and our professional advice.
WHAT IS ISA-CERTIFIED?
Now that we have determined the importance of hiring an arborist, we will dive into what makes an ISA-certified arborist extra special.
To put it simply, becoming ISA-certified is not easy. Before even applying to take the exam, a person must have “three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture and/or a degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute.”
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The exam itself is extensive. You can look at the full exam outline on the ISA website, but here is a quick preview:
Soil Management
Soil formation and horizons
Chemical properties
Mineral nutrition
Soil improvement
Tree ID/selection
Health/quality/survivability
Function
Aesthetics
Installation and Establishment
Impact of soil amendments on tree establishment
Tree support and protection system
Transplanting principles and techniques
Safe Work Practices
Recognizing industry standards
Work site safety hazards/appropriate actions to be taken
Techniques of aerial/bucket rescue
Types, use, maintenance, and inspection of climbing and safety equipment
Tree Biology
Environmental effect & response
Wound effects & response
Pruning
Effects of pruning
Effects of timing
Types of pruning(all 13!)
Utility pruning
Diagnosis/Treatment
Evaluate what might lead to stress
Diagnosis, procedures and techniques
Management principles
Treatment options
Urban Forestry
Benefits and costs of trees
Appraisal and valuation
Protection and Preservation
Planning/evaluation
Construction techniques
Post damage management
Tree Risk Management
Responsibility/liability
Site analysis
Tree analysis
Tree risk characters
As you can see, it means a lot when we talk about having ISA-certified arborists. They are, by definition, the best people you can have working on your plants and trees.
If you are ready to treat your yard to the best, call us and we will help you improve the healthy and look of your yard.
